Recipe Warning

Have you ever come across a recipe you wished had a warning label before you read it? I came across one such recipe this weekend. After reading it, I felt compelled to give it a try regardless of the calorie content, richness, or delicious enjoyment that would result. So for those who might hesitate if they have a warning, here you go.

For those of you still reading, consider yourself warned. By the way, that warning would probably just peek my curiosity too.

Yummy!

All Sewn Up

As I said yesterday, my friend, Liz, helped me with some photos of my latest projects. Avery helped, for about a second, to steadying the dress form. This one is Farbenmix's pattern, Anna wrap dress, using Heather Bailey's fabrics. I love the versatile apron style of this dress. It's reversible with ties in front or back.

This is another Portabellopixie Analise Dress. I think this is my favorite pattern. Simple, yet interesting. The fabrics are from Lila Tueller and Paula Prass, and the check was just something in my stash.

Delia and Avery kept each other entertained while the mommy's "worked."

AWOL

I know it's been a while since my last post. No excuse really. This one just keeps me on my toes these days.

Avery's had a lot of fun lately playing with baby Delia.

I've been busy at the sewing machine too. Delia's mom, Liz, helped take some pictures for me this afternoon, so I'll have more to report soon.

Yarn Wreath Tutorial

Okay, I promised I would put together a tutorial of sorts if I made another yarn wreath. These are the Christmas versions I posted previously. I'm going to show you how I put together a Valentine's Day yarn wreath. These are your basic craft supplies: straw wreath form, yarn, and misc. embellishments. For this wreath, I marked the halfway point on two sides.

Then, using a hot glue gun, I attached the first yarn color to the wreath form near the mark.

Now, start looping the yarn around the form pulling it snug, but not tight. Try to keep your loops as close to each other as possible, but don't go crazy with this. You can double back to fill in the gaps at the end.

When you reach your halfway mark, tack the end down with your glue gun. Now is when I loop back over the gaps. Once all gaps are filled, glue the end of the yarn down and cut off the remaining yarn.

Here is a shot of the first half completed.

Grab your next color and start the process over, looping and filling in the gaps.

This is what we have so far.

Now, for the fun stuff! I embellished with an ornament, letters, and felt roses. For the letters, I applied glue then glitter to some left over scrapbooking letters.

I found this chocolate covered strawberry ornament on sale at Sur La Table after the holidays.

Hot glue your embellishments in place. I added some white yarn to mimic the swirl on the strawberry and tied the ornament in place with green ribbon continuing the "stem." Instructions for the felt roses can be found here. There are so many fun yarn options out there, so you have endless possibilities. I really hope you give this simple method a try. Please share photos with me if you do.

Valentine's Day Outfit

I'm a bit ahead of schedule for this one, but once it was in my head, I had to knock it out. I used this great tutorial from Ruffles and Stuff for a bubble skirt. She used tights for the waistband piece, but I had this pair of legging on hand that Avery is far too tall for. I love the transformation. Perfect for my sweetheart.

Super Lame

In the rush to get everything finished and wrapped before Christmas, I forgot to photograph all but one of my homemade gift projects. Super lame, right?! Here is the one I did manage to capture. My sister used peacock feathers as her wedding theme in '08 and now had some of the decor displayed in her dinning room. When I found a vintage pillowcase with peacock embroidery in the stash I received from a friend, I knew it had to be made into something for Casey. It took me a while, but I came up with a little Christmas decor. The paisley fabric is by Sandi Henderson.
If forgetting to take photos wasn't bad enough, I asked Brooke to take pictures of the bag I made for her. Yeah, you thought it wasn't going to get worse. Well, this way I have super images to show you. I wish I could send all my stuff to Brooke to photograph! The little coin purse I made for her for a birthday present. It is one of the stash bags from Amy Butler's pattern.

The purse is the Phoebe bag pattern found here.

This pattern is so versatile. I simply added the ruffle around the snap closer for a personal touch. The red and aqua fabric is by Paula Prass and the lining and dot fabrics are by Michael Miller.

Gotta Love Hats

Have I mentioned that Avery likes hats?
Sun Hats with PJ's.

Or Santa hats.

So, the one homemade item I managed to squeeze in for her at Christmas was this hat. The pattern is by Izzy & Ivy. I used fabrics from all of my favorites, Jennifer Paganelli, Paula Prass and Sandi Henderson.Brooke captured a few moments with Avery in her hats.

Brooke's Art

Every chance we have to see Brooke, we get to come home with photographs like these. Who wouldn't want to show them off?!?

I have a couple more, but I'm saving some for another post.

I took Avery to her 18 month appointment today. She is quite healthy at 27.8 lbs and 34". This brings her down to 92% in weight and 95% in height.